GRADING MINT STATE FRANKLIN HALF DOLLARS - by Frank Chiong
"From time to time we have discussed Franklins in every manner, from “Guess the Grade” to looking at toning, color and so forth. I’m encouraged by the fact that we are seeing more and more interest in this series, even though a lot of people scoff at poor old Frankies as either an ugly coin or a bullion coin. So be it. One of the wonderful things about this hobby is that no matter which coin you chose, there is likely to be a following for it. Personally I was always drawn to the Franklin because it is the first big coin that I was introduced to when I started collecting long ago. I remember looking at it and being taken by the fact that it was different from most of the coins that I had seen. It has IN GOD WE TRUST where the date should be, it doesn’t have a president or Miss Liberty on it, it’s got this big huge bell and this teeny little eagle on it. So slowly but surely good ol’ Franklin became a favorite and it still is."
"Sources for this series generally include “An Analysis of Gem Franklins” by Jack Ehrmantraut and “The Complete Guide for Franklin Halves” by Rick Tomaska – two books which I feel every serious Franklin collector should read."
Grading Uncirculated Franklins
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